“I am so thankful to all those medical professionals that are on the front lines taking care of our community in the battle against this virus,” Eichel said. “The dedication to Western New York that they continue to show is incredible. I am happy to work with my friends at Bauer to purchase these masks. Hopefully, they will help play a part in keeping our hospital workers safer and healthier.”

Bauer Hockey and Cascade Lacrosse, both owned by Peak Achievement Athletics, transitioned from manufacturing sports equipment to medical facemasks amid the coronavirus pandemic. After receiving more requests for products than production could support, the companies made the medical mask design and supplier information available to the public to encourage other manufacturing companies to support production.

The hospital system will put the shields into immediate use for physicians, nurses and staff working with COVID-19 patients. The coronavirus-specific units began two weeks ago at Buffalo General Medical Center (entire 15th and 16th floors, ICU) plus Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (third floor east and west wings, ICU).

COVID-19 units/areas at this time include:

Emergency department

PUI/COVID-19-designated units

PUI/COVID-19-designated ICU(s)

Respiratory therapists

Anesthesia service

Labor and delivery triage

Kaleida Health currently has 65 inpatients and long-term care residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. Another 50 inpatients/long term care residents have been tested and are currently under investigation. They have discharged another 175 patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.